LOS ANGELES Adan Canto, the late Mexican musician and actor, was most recognized for his parts in the television programs The Cleaning Lady, Agent Game, and X-Men: Days of Future Past. His age was 42.
Canto chose to keep his sickness a secret and passed away from appendiceal cancer, publicist Jennifer Allen told the Associated Press.
Few people really understood the depth of Dan’s spirit. Everyone who saw it was eternally altered,” Allen said in a statement. “So many people will miss him terribly.”
Raised in Texas and originally from Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico, Canto started his career as a singer-songwriter at the age of sixteen, moving to Mexico City from his home town. After that, he started acting, appearing on TV for the first time in 2009 in the Mexican series Estado de Gracia. Later, in 2013, he made his American television debut in Kevin Williamson’s drama series The Following on Fox, starring Kevin Bacon.
Notable appearances include those of the mutant Sunspot in X-Men: Days of Future Past, Colombian politician Rodrigo Lara Bonilla on Narcos, and Vice President-elect Aaron Shore on Designated Survivor. Canto featured in both “Agent Game” and “Bruised,” Halle Berry’s directorial debut.
In addition, he directed two short films: a daring western starring Theo Rossi in 2020 and a first one in 2014.
At the time of his passing, Canto was filming the third season of Fox’s The Cleaning Lady, in which he portrayed Armand Morales. His illness prevented him from taking part in the play, but he hoped to return later in the season.
Canto laughed loudly and grinned widely. In addition, according to his acquaintances, he possessed a humility and sensitivity that contrasted with the bulk and square jaw of a movie star.
On his Instagram page, Kiefer Sutherland, who costarred with Canto on Designated Survivor, posted a tribute.
“I feel like I’ve had to write postings similar to this one a lot lately, but I’m devastated by Adan Canto’s passing. Sutherland included a picture of the two of them on set with a remark that said, “He was such a wonderful spirit.” He will be sadly missed. “As an actor, his drive to succeed, to be great, and then to do better, was truly impressive.” His wife Steph and their two small children also break my heart. May you rest in peace, Adan.
Canto leaves behind two children, Roman Alder, age 3, and Eve Josephine, age 18 months, together with his wife Stephanie Ann Canto.
On her Instagram page, his wife wrote, “Forever my treasure Adan, see you soon.”